De Jong relishing Magpies challenge

Newcastle have completed the signing of forward Siem de Jong from Eredivisie champions Ajax.

The 25-year-old Holland international moves to Tyneside for an undisclosed fee and has penned a six-year deal at St James' Park.

De Jong came through the Amsterdammers' fabled youth system and has won four Dutch titles since making his debut in 2007, assuming the captaincy in 2012.

"Newcastle United have completed the signing of Ajax captain Siem de Jong," read a statement from the club.

"The 25-year-old Dutch international attacking midfielder has moved to Tyneside for an undisclosed fee, signing a six-year deal at St James' Park."

De Jong's younger brother Luuk struggled to make an impact for Newcastle after signing on loan in January, but De Jong senior is relishing the challenge of the Premier League.

"It is great to have signed for Newcastle," he said.

"It is a big club which my brother told me all about, so I already feel good here.

"I had been at Ajax a long time and wanted a new challenge in a new environment and a new country.

"Coming to Newcastle is a great opportunity and the chance to play for a club like this in the Premier League was one I could not turn down.

"I am looking forward to starting training and meeting my new team-mates and hopefully we can have a successful season."

De Jong joins Tenerife striker Ayoze Perez and Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback in joining the Magpies this summer as boss Alan Pardew looks to win over the fans following what was seen by many as a disappointing campaign last term.

"We are absolutely overjoyed to bring Siem to the club because he will give us intelligence in the final third and create goalscoring situations, which we lacked towards the end of last season," Pardew said.

"It is a big signing for this club. Siem brings massive experience from Ajax. I think our fans are going to enjoy the way he plays and I cannot wait to start working with him."

De Jong played almost 250 times for Ajax, scoring 78 goals, and has netted twice in six appearances for his country.